English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a gun dog breed of dog used for flushing and retrieving game.

Appearance

Like many breeds developed for specific work, in modern times the show dog lines have diverged from working dog lines, depending on which aspect of the dog the breeders have chosen to focus on.

Males in the show dog line average approximately 18-20 inches at the withers and weigh on average between 50 and 55 pounds. Females are generally smaller, averaging closer to 40 pounds. Dogs in the working dog line tend to be smaller and lighter boned.

Its coat comes in a wide variety of markings even within a certain color combination. Black-and-white and liver-and-white colors are among the best known.

Temperament

The Springer is an affectionate and easy-going family dog, and its alertness and attentiveness make it the ideal hunting companion. An intelligent dog, and eager to please, a Springer is easily incorporated into a family setting. Although good with children, it tends to have a moderate to high energy level. Its long-legged build makes it among the fastest of the spaniels. It has unlimited stamina and needs plenty of activity to focus its mind and to provide substantial exercise.

English Springer Spaniels are playful animals; many owners find humor in their play. As with many playful dogs or hunting dogs bred as retrievers, these dogs will play with things as simple as empty plastic bottles, socks, or towels. These spaniels easily remember where such things are kept and are good at getting them out.

Some people say that English Springer Spaniels are like velcro, because they want to be in the immediate vicinity of their owner. If the owner walks to the other side of a room, so does the English Springer Spaniel.

Health

As in many breeds there are health issues for which the breeder should be careful. People acquiring new puppies can avoid some issues by asking the breeder for health clearances of the father and mother of the litter, in particular, Canine Eye Research Foundation (CERF) and Orthopedic Foundation (OFA) certifications for the father and mother. However, health issues can still show up. Hip dysplasia and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), are two such diseases for which veterinarians are working on genetic markers to determine carriers.

Other health issues include autoimmune diseases, which include allergies and other sensitivities to the environment. These are extreme, but are found in the breed.

Temperament issues can include dog and people aggressiveness, chose parents that do not display this kind of behavior. Another cause of aberrant behavior can be epilepsy.

History

This spaniel is an older breed, appearing in paintings as early as the 1600s. It is possibly the ancestor of most modern spaniels; springer spaniels and cocker spaniels were not recognized as separate breeds until the 1800s.

Miscellaneous

Famous Spaniels

* Spot Fetcher, pet of the President of the United States, George W. Bush.
* Millie Bush, pet of former President George H. W. Bush.

Books about English Springer Spaniel Dogs